Whilst a large leap that can appear overwhelming initially, taking ownership of a dental practice can be rewarding and empowering – you get to take control and manage every aspect of the business.
However, building a new practice requires extensive planning. There are many questions to ask: What are the costs? Will it be profitable? Where is a suitable location? The latter in particular is a decision that has many elements to consider.
Location, location, location
One of the first choices with building a new dental practice is whether to go urban, suburban, or rural. You may wish to change city, county or even country in the pursuit of an ideal spot or a shift in lifestyle choices.
Different locations can mean different patient needs. Urban practices may focus on being accessible and fast-paced, whilst suburban or rural practices may prioritise continual family care and maintaining regulars. Finding a focus is important for building the image of the dental practice and the service you wish to provide.
Accessibility is essential wherever a dental practice hopes to be built. Choosing a site that is well connected to public transport routes ensures that the widest number of people will be able to travel to the practice. For dental practices that are more rural or further away from public transport services, you may wish to consider a small carpark for staff and patients too.
Healthy competition
After deciding on the area, the next consideration is assessing the competition. When looking at potential plots for building on, it’s essential to note the location of other nearby healthcare providers. There may be several other dental practices that already look after the local residents, as well as any GP surgeries, physiotherapy practices or pharmacies. This can be a tricky scenario: on the one hand, your business may flourish in places with fewer competitors, but on the other, having a community of healthcare providers can promote greater inter-disciplinary care, with practices able to refer patients to neighbouring establishments that are easy to get to.
Sleuthing skills
In instances where a suitable location may have competing dental practices, investigative work is needed. Checking websites and social media accounts for potential competitors can illuminate what they provide, and any gaps that are notable. As a practice, you may be able to fill in these gaps, delivering specialised treatments that patients may otherwise have had to go far to receive. Moreover, looking at other practices can give you a solid understanding of their pricing and marketing strategies, identifying local needs and spending power. Looking at rival marketing is also vital for building your brand identity – employing different advertising styles and offering specialised treatments helps distinguish your practice from others.
Finding room for improvement within a community is also part of the planning stage. Online reviews and feedback for nearby dental practices can paint a picture of the strengths and weaknesses, as well as overall public perception. If reviews repeatedly highlight something, such as a lack of friendliness with the dental staff, this can be an excellent framework to build on by seeking to improve any negative local criticisms. This ensures that your new enterprise begins with a positive reception.
An eye on the horizon
Whilst riskier, anticipating future trends, especially relating to infrastructure, can help you find the perfect spot. The UK’s housing crisis has led to a surge in new homes being built. Areas with the highest unaffordability for housing and the greatest potential for growth will see increases in their housebuilding targets, with villages and towns facing considerable expansion in some areas.[i] These plans expect a rise in population, meaning more roads, more schools, more shops and more services. A new dental practice in such an area can meet the healthcare needs of the people.
With so much to consider when building a new dental practice, having the reliable support of Clover Dental Group ensures the job is seen through from planning to completion. Their extensive web of industry connections includes land owners, developers and knowledge on new build schemes. From allocating dental practices to managing early stakeholder involvement, the team at Clover Dental Group can accompany you through every step of the process, finishing with a fully-realised dental practice that is tailored to both you and the community around it.
Whether building a new dental practice or becoming a first-time owner, choosing the right location is everything. This is the base from which you can make a difference within a community, offering excellent treatments and growing a loyal network of satisfied patients.
For more information on the comprehensive services available from Clover Dental Group, please visit the website cloverdentalfitout.co.uk or call 07961 669996
Author: Steve Kettle
[i] GOV.UK (2024). Planning overhaul to reach 1.5 million new homes. [online] GOV.UK. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/planning-overhaul-to-reach-15-million-new-homes.
